Topazos: An Ancient Name for Peridot
Origins of the Name Topaz
The name 'Topaz' is believed to come from a small island in the Red Sea, once known as Topazios. It lies off the coast of Egypt and is known today as St John's Island or Zabargad in Arabic.
Some believe it may have come from the Sanskrit word 'topas', meaning 'heat' or 'fire'.
It's not known whether the stone we know today as topaz was known to ancient civilisations. Historians believe the name 'topazos' actually referred to the mineral olivine, although it's difficult to know for certain.
The gemstone peridot, which comes from olivine, is known to have been available in abundance on the island. It was discovered around 300 BC.
In his encyclopaedia Naturalis Historia, ancient Roman author, naturalist and philosopher Pliny the Elder wrote about 'topazos' being found in this location. He describes it as being mined on a foggy island, with varieties ranging from green to golden or yellowish tones. These descriptions match the colour of peridot, rather than the mineral known today as topaz.
In historical references, the names topazos and topazios are both used in relation to the island and the gemstone. In most cases, when the word topaz is used, it's believed to refer to peridot.
The name is likely to have come from the Greek word ‘topázios’, which was used for the stone associated with the island.
Topaz can be traced back even further and is mentioned in the Old Testament in the Book of Exodus. A topaz is said to have been one of the twelve gemstones in the high priest breastplate, but once again, this is believed to refer to peridot.
Modern topaz was not clearly identified or distinguished as a separate mineral until the 18th century.
Article Photo
Main photo and pop-up photo of peridot: Courtesy of Stan Celestian.
